That's A Wrap: Staycation 2013

Last night concluded my vacation. Yes believe me I cried a river. Oh that reminds me I will be attending the Justin Timberlake concert in December! Fist pumping begins now!

 

 

This mean back to the daily grind, stress and hustling about. On another positive note, Labor Day is in a few weeks which means a short break is in my future. Whoo hooo!

 

Ten days off of work means time to relax, have fun and enjoy memorable activities.

With the weather in the 80's, naps taken daily and time spent with the family this vacation was fulfilling. I am not one to sit around the house with no plans so on my "down time" I did go a bit stir crazy. As much as I dislike the idea of going back to work I do like having a "routine".

 

During the week I took many pictures so here is a recap of my ten days off!

 

We let Madison skip school for the day and took her to the Indiana State Fair. I looked out my window to see Madison's tiny little fingers sporting her rock n roll sign! This had to be the best day of my vacation! She was pretty excited!

 

 I couldn't leave the fair without sinking my teeth into one of these delicious treats!

 

Us girls know we can't make a public appearance without being ridiculously adorable, okay she can pull it off, me not so much.

 

I wonder where she gets her posing from?

 

Still in rock n roll mode, party like a rock star!

 

After walking past Easley's Winery, it came at no surprise that a bottle of wine would be purchased.

 

My daily intake of calories is quite sickening. I think I will start my diet today. I'm pretty sure I gained a lb a day. 

 

Ralston's has to be my favorite new place. Simple, delicious and light satisfied my rumbling stomach.

 

 My mom, brother and I wrapped up a fun day of shopping with a delicious meal at Uno's Chicago Grill. I must have been feeling guilty about all of the fattening foods I had been indulging in because I settled on soup and salad.

 

The rest of my vacation included some pampering. I made a hair appointment and spent a few hours getting a color touch up and trim. 

 

It felt good to cut an inch off and have my roots back in their hiding place. Here Madison and I finished out the night with dinner at Panera. Don't judge, we take selfies in the bathroom :) 

 

Madison got a little treat from The Flying Cupcake, Happy Birthday To Me Vanilla.

I couldn't bring myself to eat another thing.

 

Oh how we love our mud masks! The silky soft feeling and the scent makes our hearts happy. We love our girls nights! She also giggled hysterically that we looked like Smurfs!

 

The deal of my vacation! 4 pillows for $12! When does that ever happen? Thank you Christmas Tree Shop, it has been and always will be my favorite budget friendly store!

 

I'm sure there are many more events, moments and activities that happened this week but I will save that for another day! I'm hoping to have a calm and easy week! The countdown to Labor Day weekend is on!

 

Have you made plans yet?

 

Only Two More Days: H54F

via

The long awaited day for all employees has come, Friday!

I myself wanted today to come because then Madison will be home for two whole days.

I have loved my staycation and the relaxing atmosphere. Taking a break from the usual hustling around has been nice but being at home when my mini me is at school has been depressing.

I am having a very hard time accepting that we are all getting older and that time is passing so quickly.
I'm hoping this feeling passes soon.

On the other hand, there have been some really great moments this week.

1. I went and paid my hair stylist a little visit and got my hair colored and cut. Not a big difference but it feels a lot healthier.

2. $2 Tuesday saved quite a bit of money at the Indiana State Fair! $2 food, drinks, admission and rides made for an inexpensive day full of fun!

3. Starting off the fall season with a new Coach purse! You can never go wrong with Coach! Happy gift to me!

4. I had a lunch date with my brother and mom and added to the calorie intake with this little dessert. Who can resist a warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream, chocolate syrup and whipped cream? Not this girl! Bring it on!

5. Madison has been practicing writing her name, spelling out words, singing songs to improve her spelling and so much more. I would say she is doing great for her age!

I'm in high hopes that the next two days are eventful, happy and full of fun because I don't want to see Monday morning!

Happy Weekend! XO

Birchbox: August 2013

It's that time again!
This month's Birchbox included 5 products that are fabulous! Birchbox collaborated with Ann Taylor to help create affordable looks for the fall!

The great thing about Birchbox is you get to try high end products in a sample size and then decide from there to buy a full size portion at regular price.

No one likes to buy something and then find that it doesn't work the way it was expected. So being able to test out 4-5 products for $10 is worth every penny!

Harvey Prince Eau Flirt - Lavender Pumpkin - 100 ml-$98

This sample came at the perfect time! With fall right around the corner the scent of pumpkin, lavender, apple and cinnamon sets the mood for the season. I have a collection of perfumes and body sprays so being able to try another is great!

Juice Beauty Oil-free Moisturizer- 2 oz-$28

I use a moisturizer every morning and night. My skin tends to get very dry after I cleanse so it is a must that I re-hydrate my skin. I have loved all of Juice Beauty's products since I started receiving them in my Birchbox and this product worked just as well as the others.

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick-Set of 3-$24

I received Disco Fever which is a coral color. While it is not my favorite shade it is always nice to try something new. With the right outfit I can see this adding an extra "pop" to my look.

Whish Exfoliating Body Wash-6 0z-$22

The most refreshing body wash scent is coconut. It makes me think of days spent on the beach and the smell of tanning lotion and pina coladas! This tube of body wash left my skin smelling great and silky soft!

Birchbox usually adds in a  "Beauty Extra" which happened to be the Whish Inhibiting Deodorant Swipes-$22

I have never heard of or used this product before so it was fun to see how the product worked. I do have to say that it worked better than I had expected. It comes in a small convenient pack so they can be carried in a small handbag or tossed in the gym bag. A quick swipe under the arm and you are good to go. No sweat, odor or wetness!

Want to join in on the fun? Visit Birchbox today and sign up! There's nothing quite like receiving a little package in the mail each month!